One of the recent trends in some parishes as part of a reform of the liturgy is a return to the ancient practice as was common in the Church until 50 years ago, of worship with the priest and congregation all facing the same direction. This article from a parish in South Carolina I think does a good job of explaining the reasons behind this:
http://www.stmarysgvl.org/whatsnew/turning-together-towards-the-lord
Lewiston Catholic 
JP- do you have an email addy?
I don’t see one on the sidebar…
Jack in NH (from Fr. Z’s)
I will email you directly. I’d rather not post it.
Thanks
Greetings! I happened upon your blog and am interested in hearing from you. I am a newly ordained priest for the Diocese of Portland and a native of Lewiston. Do feel free to e-mail me at frdoustou@gmail.com
Yes, well, this trend hasn’t hit my parish yet…. Hopefully it will one day relatively soon.